Spring Hill, Florida – An inmate at the Hernando County jail is now facing a murder charge after a violent attack on another inmate was caught on the jail’s security cameras, Sheriff Al Nienhuis announced Tuesday. The inmate, identified as William Gillespie, kicked another inmate, Jory Van Antwerp, multiple times in the head as seen on the security video footage.
According to authorities, Van Antwerp, who was being treated in the medical unit for a pre-existing health condition, initially did not show severe injuries. However, his condition deteriorated throughout the day, leading to his transfer to a hospital where he was diagnosed with a brain bleed. Tragically, Van Antwerp passed away shortly after.
Sheriff Nienhuis described the attack as unexpected and unprovoked, noting that Gillespie claimed the victim was using foul language the night of the incident. However, interviews with other inmates revealed that there was no interaction or communication between Gillespie and Van Antwerp. Despite Gillespie having a history of prior felony arrests and convictions, he was not categorized as a violent felon that required separation from other inmates.
Gillespie, who was in jail on a battery charge and had previous charges for fighting with inmates, is now charged with second-degree murder. Sheriff Nienhuis mentioned that Gillespie has 11 prior felony arrests and five convictions, but none of them were for violent offenses.
Van Antwerp, who was imprisoned for an alleged sexual assault on a minor aged 12 to 18, was not believed to be known to Gillespie, according to Sheriff Nienhuis. The sheriff characterized the incident as a crime of opportunity where Gillespie acted impulsively when Van Antwerp exited his cell.
The tragic event highlights the challenges faced in correctional facilities to ensure the safety of inmates and prevent such violent acts from occurring. The investigation into the incident continues as authorities work to understand the circumstances that led to this fatal confrontation within the confines of the jail.